[Quality of storage of thermolabile drugs in patients' homes]

To evaluate storage conditions of two thermolabile drugs, etanercept and adalimumab, in patients' homes, and the possible influence over the average storage temperature of variables such as the number of people living at home, age of the patient or age of the refrigerator.

Prospective observational study. The sample consisted of 60 patients treated with Enbrel or Humira. Data loggers cards were used, with an integrated thermal sensor VarioSens, which were placed on the outer packaging of the product, programmed to record temperatures every 90 min for approximately 30 days. The average storage temperature recorded in refrigerators was used as the main variable.

It was shown that there is a greater risk of not maintaining adequate storage when the mean temperature of the refrigerator is outside a range of 2-8 degrees C, RR = 3.9 (95% CI = 1.95-7.93), P = 0.0001. A total of 35 patients (58.3%) stored medicines outside the correct temperature range. There were significant differences in average storage temperatures depending on the whether the age of the refrigerator was greater or less than 5 years, P = 0.029. Older than 5 years represents a risk factor for inadequate storage, RR = 1.68 (95% CI = 1.04-2.71), P = 0.023 with the Pearson chi-squared test.

Procedures need to be established to ensure traceability of the storage of heat-labile drugs in patients' homes. New technologies allow this to be done, by providing advice to patients and for making decisions regarding dispensing and reuse in the event of return, thus improving our quality of care.